Page 996 - Politics
Complaint filed against two channels for violating poll code
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Monday moved the state Election Commission demanding a ban on two television channels - Zee TV and 'AND TV' for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by promoting various schemes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi."Two serials- 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain' and 'Tujhse Hai Raabta' broadcast on the two networks Zee TV and & TV violated the Model Code of Conduct by promoting various schemes launched by PM Modi in his tenure," said Sachin Sawant, general secretary and spokesperson of MPCC wrote in a letter to the state Election Commission.MPCC has alleged that in a scene in the episode of 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain' serial telecast two days ago, the characters Manmohan Tiwari and his wife Angoori bhabhi could be seen talking about Swachh Bharat mission and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, thereby, violating MCC.In 'Tujhse Hai Raabta', two characters were seen talking about one of the flagship schemes of the central government- 'Pradhan
Indian Polity, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and 2019 General Lok Sabha Elections
The Election Commission developed India's own Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in partnership with two government-owned companies i.e. the Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in the year 1989, which were used for the first time in the Goa State Assembly elections of 1999. For the first time, the paper ballot system was replaced by the electronic voting machines and it received great applause and marked the transition to digitalization in the election system of India.Highlighting the relevance of the working module of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Advocate Anant Sharma & Advocate Tushar Mudgil remarked, that the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and it's working module is very simple as it consists of two parts i.e. the control unit and ballot unit.The control unit is kept in the polling station with the Presiding Officer and is placed inside the voting compartment as the votes are counted through it whereas the balloting units ..
Those criticising BJP's stand on Articles 370, 35A should engage in meaningful dialogue: Sitharaman
In a veiled reference to political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that those commenting on BJP's commitment to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution, should engage in a meaningful discussion on these issues rather than giving threatening statements.BJP released its election manifesto on Monday, proposing to annul the two Articles. Article 370 grants special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, while Article 35A, incorporated into the Constitution in 1954, provides special rights and privileges to the citizens of the state.There are several public interest litigations pending in the Supreme Court, challenging both Articles 370 and 35A.Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah reacted strongly to the BJP poll promise to do away with the two constitutional provisions, if voted to power."I think people who have held constitutional position earlier like chief ..
Akhilesh questions BJP's 'Sankalp Patra'
Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday targeted BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, saying that the party did not fulfil any promise they made to the people."When BJP did not implement its last two 'Sankalp Patra' then how do we believe on this one? Where are those crores of jobs? Where is the smart city in Ghaziabad? BJP's speech begins with toilets and ends with it," Akhilesh said while campaigning for his party's Ghaziabad Lok Sabha candidate Suresh Bansal."BJP people say they will make a new country. Those who are of progressive thinking and understand people, brotherhood, can make a new country," he said.Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Akhilesh said, "If they can stop us at the airport then how did Chowksi flee away?""He (Modi) used to allege that all Yadavs are relatives," he said. In a veiled reference to Nirav Modi, he added that "If Yadav-Yadav can be relative then why cannot Modi-Modi be relative? The country wants to know."The former
Congress dubs BJP's manifesto as Jhansa Patra, questions BJP over demonetisation, jobs
Hours after the release of BJP's manifesto called 'Sankalp Patra,' the Congress on Monday dubbed it as 'Jhansa Patra' (document of delusion), demanding that the ruling party should have released a 'maafinama' (apology) instead."At a time when there are 125 questions (featured in a document released at the event) looming over their manifesto for the last general polls, how can one believe in their Jhansa Patra," Congress communications in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said at a press conference here.Congress leader Ahmed Patel, who was also present on the occasion, said: "The difference between BJP manifesto and Congress manifesto can be seen firstly from the cover page. Ours has a crowd of people, and BJP manifesto has the face of just one man. Instead of a manifesto, the BJP should have come out with a 'maafinama.""For its 2019 manifesto, the BJP has simply copy pasted its 2014 manifesto and changed all previous deadlines from 2019 to 2022, 2032, 2047, 2097. Luckily they didn't ...
BJP never hesitates to take bold steps, says Union Minister Puri
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said the 'BJP never hesitated to take bold steps.'"Pakistan said India is going to attack again, but the BJP has falsified the claims. BJP's fight is against terrorism, not against Pakistani civilians. The Indian army will strike again if needed, but not against civilians. Pakistan government should take the responsibility to stop terrorism in their country," Puri told media persons here.Launching an attack on Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Hardeep said that the two parties that used to abuse each other have now formed an alliance only to defeat the BJP in UP. He also alleged that the Opposition wants a hung parliament to use it for their personal benefits.Talking about BJP manifesto, he said: "His party is in the poll with positive agenda like smart city programme, Swachch Bharat and Mudra Yojana. Apart from all this, there are several other flagship schemes launched by the BJP government. BJP .
Russia docks warships in Philippines amid rising South China Sea tensions
Russia docked two of its destroyers and one tanker here on Monday for a "goodwill visit" as tensions begin to rise in the disputed South China Sea.Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte recently warned China to stay away from the Thitu Island in the Spratly chain, which is controlled by Manila but claimed by Beijing. Philippines has alleged that hundreds of Chinese vessels, including military ships, have been spotted around the island since December, according to CNN."Let us be friends, but do not touch Pagasa (Thitu) Island and the rest...If you (China) make moves there, that's a different story. I will tell my soldiers, 'Prepare for suicide mission'," Duterte said recently.Russia and the Philippines are poised to sign a naval cooperation agreement, which will see more joint training exercises being conducted and reciprocal port visits.Philippines and China are just a few of the countries who claim ownership to large portions to the South China Sea.
Modi is suppressing regional parties by misusing institutions: Deve Gowda
Launching an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda on Monday alleged that he is trying to suppress regional parties by misusing institutions. "In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi could galvanise huge majority. Modi's misrule in these five years pulled all secular parties together. In Karnataka, we joined hands with Congress after 10 years. The country needs an alternative. Twenty-three parties came together against Modi," Deve Gowda said while speaking at an election campaign in support of Telugu Desam Party (TDP)."His image is falling down after BJP lost three state elections and many by-elections. Modi is misusing all institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax to suppress regional parties," he added.The JD(S) chief further accused the Prime Minister of harassing the Opposition leaders by misusing the Income-tax department."In Karnataka, my two grandsons are contesting elections. Nearly 24 raids have been conducted. Even today, more than .
Britain takes aim at social media bosses in world first
Britain will make social media bosses personally liable for harmful content and shut down offending platforms under a government action plan published Monday -- the first of its kind anywhere. The long-delayed and eagerly anticipated proposals lay the groundwork for legislation that could be passed in the coming months. They were drawn up after consultations with social media moguls such as Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg and have faced little resistance from other platforms that have also been blamed for allowing the spread of hate and abuse. Some of the proposals have sparked concerns from free speech groups. "What we're proposing today is that companies that deal with user-generated content should take greater responsibility for keeping those users safe," culture and media minister Jeremy Wright told BBC radio. "These are world-leading proposals. No one in the world has done this before." The proposed regulations would see social media companies accept "duty of care" obligations ...
Rahul promises removal of fees on application for government exams, jobs
Just two days ahead of the first phase of Lok Sabha elections, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday announced that if his party is voted to power, he will drop the fee on applications for government examinations and jobs.The Congress president shared this information in a post on his official Facebook page.He also shared the policy of his party related to public health, stating that he will bring a new law "Right to Health" for all citizens of the country. "We will increase the budget on health to three per cent of gross domestic product (GDP)," Gandhi said.Gandhi has already announced the waiver of interest on all education loans till March 31, 2019, if his party is voted to power in the Lok Sabha polls.Earlier on April 2, while releasing the manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi said: "The party plans to open avenues of employment and provide new ways to keep the youth engaged."He further added the Congress will fill all 4 lakh vacancies in the Central government and .
No mention of cow protection in BJP's 2019 manifesto
The cow, topping the agenda for the Bharatiya Janata Party, failed to get any promise in the 2019 Lok Sabha manifesto of the party, while it has spoken about the welfare and protection of the cow since 1984.
Turkey's Erdogan sees 'theft' in Istanbul vote results
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday cast doubt on results showing his ruling party's candidate narrowly lost the election for Istanbul mayor, saying there had been "theft at the ballot box". Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) demanded a recount in Ankara and Istanbul citing irregularities after tallies showed the party was defeated in both cities last week -- in what would be a major setback in a decade and a half in power. Erdogan's remarks appeared to signal more AKP challenges over Istanbul, the country's economic hub and largest city, echoing commentary in pro-government media last week denouncing a "ballot box putsch" during the March 31 election. "We are seeing that some organised crimes have been carried out," Erdogan said at a press conference before a trip to Russia, without giving details. "There is an element of robbery in all of this. There was some theft at the ballot box." Erdogan said the margin between the two Istanbul candidates was too small ..
Heavyweights file nominations in Odisha's Kendrapara
High-profile candidates, including BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda and the Congress's Dharanidhar Nayak, on Monday filed their nominations for the Lok Sabha polls in Odisha's Kendrapara, election officials said. Two other stalwarts - Bijoy Mohapatra of the BJP and BJD's Bed Prakash Agrwalla - who will cross swords from the prestigious Patkira assembly constituency, filed papers before the returning officer. BJD candidate for the Kendrapara parliamentary seat, filmstar-turned politician Anubhav Mohanty, will submit his papers on Tuesday, party sources said. A total 15 candidates filed nominations for the Lok Sabha and assembly seats in Kendrapara. The district will go to polls on April 29, the last phase of elections in Odisha. Flanked by hundreds of supporters, the candidates held rallies and roadshows in various parts of the district. With the convergence of an estimated 40,000 people on the streets, mostly cadres of political parties, vehicular traffic was .
No option but to abolish articles 370, 35A if someone talks about separate PM for JK: Rajnath
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said there will be no option with the government other than abolishing articles 370 and 35A related to special status to Jammu and Kashmir in the Constitution if there is a demand for a separate Prime Minister for the terrorism-affected state. His reaction came a week after National Conference leader Omar Abdullah had said that his party will strive hard for restoring the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir that could include having a 'Sadar-e-Riyasat' (President) and 'Wazir-e-Azam' (Prime Minister). Addressing a BJP election rally here, Rajnath Singh asked the Congress to clarify its stand whether or not it supports the demand and said "such things" must be stopped. "Someone who has been chief minister for a long time has said that there should be a Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir. If someone talks like that,we will have no option other than abolishing Article 370 and Article 35A," the minister said. Singh said Congress must make it clear ...
Naveen announces sops for women in BJD manifesto
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday unveiled the election manifesto for women promising to provide Rs 5,000-crore government work every year to the Self Help Groups (SHGs) under "Mission Shakti".
Amit Shah meets Advani
BJP President Amit Shah on Monday met L.K. Advani, four days after the party veteran appeared to take a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership by saying that the party never viewed its political foes as "anti-national".
Urmila slammed for using Abhinandan's image at rally
Actor-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar came under fire on Twitter for using Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's photo during a roadside campaign despite the Election Commission's directive to political parties not to use the images of armed forces personnel in poll campaigns.
May to meet Merkel, Macron, seek Brexit extension
British Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Paris and Berlin on Tuesday to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to seek a "short extension to Brexit", the media reported.
Not satisfied with counting of 5 VVPATs, Congress seeks review of SC order
The Congress Monday urged the Supreme Court to review its decision on matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs, saying it is not satisfied with the counting being held in only five booths in each assembly segment. Party chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that as a citizen of India he was concerned why Rs 18,000 crore were spent on VVPATs if they were not to be used in elections. "No, we are not satisfied with counting only five VVPATs. As a citizen, I feel if I am going to pay for Rs 18,000 crore for VVPATs, the democracy enjoins upon every constitutional authority, every government to ensure that election is free, fair, proper and without an iota of doubt regarding exercise of franchise by every individual," he said. "I think, the Supreme Court should re-examine its decision," he told reporters. He asked whether the Supreme Court was in doubt about the authenticity of the EVMs that it ordered the purchase of VVPATs. "VVPAT is not a voluntary step taken by any government or a ...
SUN Group chairman Vikramjit Sahney is new president of ICC India
SUN Group Chairman Vikramjit Singh Sahney Monday elected as the new president of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) - India. He said the chamber would work with the government to promote India's external trade. "We will pro-actively support initiatives of government to promote India-US trade and reducing trade deficit with China," Sahney said here at the annual general meeting of ICC India. He added that ICC was founded in the aftermath of first world war when no world system of rules covered trade, investment, finances and commercial relations. "To mark our centenary, ICC will host a mega summit in Paris during May featuring leaders from business, government and international organisations to discuss pressing global challenges and role of business in 21st century," he added.